IB - International Baccalaureate DP Core: The Extended Essay Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following components are included in the final 4,000-word count for the IB Extended Essay?

Accepted Answer

The introduction, body of the essay, conclusion, and quotations.

Answer

According to the official IB guidelines, the 4,000-word limit for the Extended Essay includes the core components of the academic argument: the introduction, the body of the essay, the conclusion, and any quotations used within these sections. The bibliography, references, contents page, and title page are not part of this word count.

Question 2

A student is finalizing their Extended Essay and has completed three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor. What is the maximum combined word count for the reflections submitted on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)?

Accepted Answer

500 words

Answer

The IB specifies a maximum total of 500 words for the reflective statement recorded on the RPF. This statement is based on the three mandatory reflection sessions, including the final viva voce. This component is assessed under Criterion E.

Question 3

During the Extended Essay process, what is the primary purpose of the final mandatory reflection session, also known as the 'viva voce'?

Accepted Answer

To confirm the authenticity of the work and reflect on the research process.

Answer

The viva voce is a short interview that serves as the concluding reflection session. Its main purposes are to allow the supervisor to confirm the essay is the student's own work, to provide the student an opportunity to reflect on their learning journey, discuss challenges and successes, and to provide closure to the EE process.

Question 4

A supervisor is guiding a student through the Extended Essay. Which of the following actions represents an acceptable level of support from the supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Giving oral feedback on one complete draft of the essay.

Answer

A supervisor's role is to guide, not to edit or co-author the essay. Providing verbal or written feedback on a single complete draft is an appropriate form of support. However, rewriting sections, dictating sources, or correcting the bibliography for the student crosses the line into academic misconduct.

Question 5

A student submits an Extended Essay where they have copied a significant section from an online source. They included the source in the bibliography but did not use in-text citations or quotation marks. How would the IB most likely classify this action?

Accepted Answer

Academic misconduct (plagiarism)

Answer

Presenting the words or ideas of another person as one's own without proper acknowledgment (in-text citation and quotation marks for direct quotes) is defined as plagiarism. Even if the source is listed in the bibliography, failing to attribute the ideas or text at the point of use is considered academic misconduct and can lead to serious penalties.

IB - International Baccalaureate Practice Test

IB - International Baccalaureate Practice Test

IB - International Baccalaureate DP Core: The Extended Essay Questions and Answers